As the Gulf tropical disturbance inches closer to Texas, forecast experts predict that the chances of its development are minimal. However, the disturbance is expected to bring increased rain to the Greater Houston area tomorrow and Saturday, which could complicate outdoor activities for residents.
The expected rainfall is a point of interest as meteorologists discuss potential outcomes for the coming days. On Friday, there are two primary scenarios for how the disturbance may impact the region. In the first scenario, a solid rain shield could form offshore, leading to significant rainfall in coastal areas during the morning. Inland areas, in this case, may only experience a few scattered thunderstorms later in the afternoon. The second scenario is the opposite, featuring only light morning rain at the coast followed by more widespread showers and afternoon thunderstorms sweeping across the area from southeast to northwest.
Currently, the likelihood leans toward the first outcome where coastal regions, such as Galveston, could receive a couple of inches of rain. In contrast, areas further inland may experience scattered storms without substantial rainfall. Rain totals for the region are anticipated to range from 1 to 2 inches at the coast, tapering off to half an inch to an inch within the 610 Loop and even less further inland. Some isolated pockets, particularly south and east of Houston, may see rain amounts reaching 3 to 4 inches.
Looking ahead to Saturday, a similar weather pattern is expected, albeit with potentially more numerous storms across the Houston area. Despite the rain, residents should not anticipate a complete washout; however, planning for rain is advisable for both Friday and Saturday if outdoor activities are on the agenda.
In conjunction with the rain forecasts, temperatures in the area have raised eyebrows. The thermometer at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) reached 100 degrees earlier this week, a reading that sparked debate among residents regarding its accuracy. Many locals expressed skepticism about the veracity of this measurement, prompting discussions about the reliability of temperature sensors used in weather reporting.
The National Weather Service (NWS) even dispatched an electronics technician to IAH to inspect the thermometer, confirming that it was operating correctly. Despite some misgivings, temperatures reported from several other weather stations showed that the area’s heat was consistent with the reading from IAH. While varying from 96 to 98 degrees, many stations nonetheless corroborated the unusual heat event.
Despite past instances of questionable data from temperature sensors, recent analyses suggest that IAH’s high was likely influenced by localized weather phenomena. Observations from the day indicated that while IAH reported 100 degrees, its relative humidity was significantly lower than that of surrounding areas, resulting in more efficient heating and contributing to the higher temperature reading.
When temperatures approach extremes, variations in humidity can lead to significant differences in how hot it feels. On Tuesday, the relative humidity at IAH hovered around 42% around the time it logged its peak temperature, a figure that stood out against the higher humidity levels in many nearby areas.
The juxtaposition of low humidity and high temperatures creates conditions where the air heats up more effectively, helping to explain the unusual high reading at IAH that day. As a result, it appears that a confluence of environmental factors at the airport, combined with its geographical location, played a critical role in the unprecedented temperature.
The question remains: Can IAH be trusted as a thermometer for the city’s weather history? This debate has roots in Houston’s growth and its evolving geography. While some argue that IAH might not be the most representative of all local neighborhoods, it does serve as a consistent point for climatological data collection. According to advice from meteorologists, it’s prudent to compare IAH’s readings to its own historical record rather than to other locations in Houston when evaluating temperature extremes.
On record, IAH’s 100-degree high on Tuesday was just one degree shy of its all-time high. Nonetheless, this fact does not suggest that neighborhoods around Houston experienced the same highs. Each area within the city may have different temperature experiences based on various geographic and atmospheric conditions.
Overall, opinions on the reliability of IAH as a temperature measuring station are diverse. Individuals will continue to hold various perspectives regarding its accuracy, fueled by the nature of weather reporting in urban environments. With the persistent influence of urban heat islands, sprawling development, rising Gulf temperatures, and the overarching impact of climate change, IAH encapsulates some of Houston’s weather complexities.
As we prepare for the potential rain from the tropical disturbance and the return of the heat next week, knowing the intricacies behind these weather patterns can enhance our understanding of climate dynamics in the region.
image source from：spacecityweather
